Wii U Firmware Update Available, Future Update Planned

Nintendo has released a new firmware update for Wii U. Version 3.1.0 U provides improvements to the system's standby mode, allowing for a better download process while the system is hibernating - plus the standard, boilerplate 'stability' improvements that come with every release.

More importantly, however, Nintendo has noted that another update to Wii U "system functionality" is planned "between the end of September and beginning of October." Nintendo rarely calls out specific timetables for firmware updates, so this is likely the second half of its planned and previously announced firmware upgrades, the first of which hit this past April (Version 3.0.0 U). That last round of adjustments improved menu load times significantly, added background downloading, and much more.

Here is Nintendo's full account for 3.1.0 U:

Improvements to Standby Functions:

• The standby functions will now regularly connect to the Internet when the Wii U is powered down to check for available SpotPass data or software and system updates. Software updates will be installed while the Wii U is powered down, and system updates will be installed the next time the Wii U is powered on. For further detailed information, click here.

Improvements to system stability and usability:

• Further improvements to overall system stability and other minor adjustments have been made to enhance the user experience.

*A system update providing further additions to system functionality is planned for release between the end of September and beginning of October.

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